Early Settler Certificate Program

*The McHenry County Illinois Genealogical offers an Early Settler Certificate to anyone who can prove that a direct-line ancestor settled in McHenry County between 1834 and 1880. The applicant does not need to be a resident of McHenry County nor a member of the Society. All descendants of early McHenry County settlers are welcome to participate in this program.

The ﻿application form﻿ and instructions for an Early Settler Certificate can be downloaded here. An application form and instructions can also be obtained by sending a self-addressed long envelope with your request to MCIGS, PO Box 184, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0184. The cost for submitting an Early Settler application is as follows:

MCIGS members: $10 for the first ancestor and $2 for each additional certificate for the same ancestor but for a different descendant; $7.50 for each additional ancestor.Non-members: $15 for the first ancestor and $2 for each additional certificate for the same ancestor but for a different descendant; $10 for each additional ancestor.

The following list represents those early settlers who have been approved for descendant certificates as of November 2017. It is arranged alphabetically by the name of the settler and includes the date settled, town/township and spouse. Submitted applications for the following early settlers may be ordered for a fee of $5. Personal information on living individuals will be redacted at the discretion of MCIGS to protect the privacy of the applicant.